third time's a charm...?

[flabs]

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I wanted to get some people's perspective on applying for a third time. For myself, the one thing that's holding me back are my MCAT scores. I'm taking it for the third time this april and hope to do well (>30). Since my last application (2004), I've been doing research at UCSF (several papers, abstracts, presentations, etc) and feel I've matured a lot. I realize that much of it will come down to my next MCAT, so I'm striving to do well on it. But I was wondering what schools/programs have you all heard about that won't completely frown upon my multiple applications, and have given third-time applicants entrance? I understand there are DO schools, but I'm trying to stay focussed on MD programs.

 

[mustangsally65]

I think most schools look at reapplicants differently than they do regular first time applicants. This year will be my third time too, and my biggest obstacle is my MCAT score too.

Some state schools look favorable on the determination it takes to apply multiple times and not give up. Others may not care how many times you've applied if your numbers aren't up to their standards. Maybe it would help to call the schools you're the most interested in and ask them.

 

[NonTradMed]

When I was applying, I remember reading on the application form for what I remember was Albert Einstein University that they won't let people apply to their school more than two times....

But other than that, I think most schools don't care too much, but if you are a reapplicant, they want to see improvements, what you've done to improve on your application etc. As long as you are not sitting on your butt, and you are trying to correct whatever deficiencies are in your application, I think most schools will take that.

 

[medstylee]

this is also my third time applying and i've just recently been accepted to 2 m.d. schools and i will hopefully be accepted to 2 more from their high waitlists. my problem was actually opposite of yours - blah grades, solid mcat. i did georgetown's special masters program and owe a large part of my success to that.

one thing i would advise you to do is stay involved with clinical stuff - volunteer, find a clinical job, etc. it doesn't have to be the most involved thing in the world. just show the committees that you're still involved; it shows them that you really are committed to this.

as a reapplicant, your biggest struggle will be getting the actual interviews. once you've made it past that stage, you really actually have an advantage in that you can truthfully say to the interviewer that you have committed so much of your time to this goal of becoming a physician. that is what i found, at least. so, for the op, your research experience will definitely be a plus (as will upping your mcat score), but i will definitely encourage you to involve yourself in some sort of volunteering, specifically one that will put you in contact with patients.

if you have more specific questions about my experiences as a reapplicant, please feel free to PM me. best of luck to you guys.

 

[yanky5]

I think that if it is your third time applying, you would be stupid not to also apply to DO schools. I am very happy I applied to DO schools with MD schools since when the MD schools rejected me, I went to the DO school that accepted me. Now I see there is really not much of a difference. Let's put it this way: If you are in a treasure room and can't carry the giant gold statue, it's better off to leave with the diamond ring then with nothing at all Good Luck.

P.S. Getting over a 30 on the MCAT will still not guarantee you admission into an MD school (even with lots of reasearch). I was a biochem major with 1.5 yrs of research, 3.73 GPA, 31 MCAT and did not get accepted to the 30 MD schools I applied to. I'm giving you the heads up. I think you only have a 50% chance of getting into an MD school so apply to DO schools too!!!

 

[CatsandCradles]

Let's put it this way: If you are in a treasure room and can't carry the giant gold statue, it's better off to leave with the diamond ring then with nothing at all

True. Very true. But some people just are not comfortable going outside of the box. I don't think the OP has some sort of phobia against DOs but simply is not comfortable with the idea of becoming a minority that is poorly understood and often discriminated against.

But to the orginal poster, if you have been trying for 3 cycles, I am inclined to think that you will get into a medical school in the near future. You are at UCSF with research. 👍

Make sure you have excellent non medical ECs and apply boldly to wherever your ken leads you.

 

[jemini99]

Don't give up. This is your dream and you have to do what you have to do. If you stopped applying you will always wonder "What if ?" Don't wonder just go for it.